Sâlmon, Barcelona Performing Arts Fetival is an event of contemporary creation focused on movement and the hybridization of scenic languages. In its early editions, it was driven and curated by the Graner, but its organizational structure has evolved over time. Since its first edition in 2012, the Salmon Festival has been a showcase for contemporary creation in Barcelona. Initially backed by the Graner-Mercado de las Flores, in collaboration with the European project Modul-dance, the festival has expanded its scope to include local and international artists and explore different forms of participation and shared practice with citizens. Throughout more than ten editions, the Festival has hosted premieres, co-productions, artistic residencies, community projects, and daring proposals that have highlighted experimentation and the vitality of live arts. It has evolved through several stages:
- Beginnings (2012-2014): Organized and curated by the Graner-Mercat de les Flors in dialogue with Modul-dance.
- Disengagement and expansion (2015-2018): The Graner took the lead with support from Mercat de les Flors and the Barcelona City Council.
- Artistic independence (2019-2020): Independent artistic direction with collaboration from the Graner and openness to other structures in the city.
- Co-organization (2021-2022): Four city structures (Antic Teatre, La Caldera, Graner, and La Poderosa) joined forces for organization, with institutional support and an independent curatorial team.
- Independent structure (since 2023): A cultural association formed by fourteen profiles linked to the festival organizes the event, with two-year programming cycles selected through public call.
The Salmon Festival has been a driver of innovation and collaboration in Barcelona’s artistic scene, promoting diversity, experimentation, and dialogue between artists and the public. Its evolution reflects a continuous commitment to renewal and openness to new ways of doing and thinking about dance and live arts.